by Joyee Flynn
“That’s cool. I think mice are too timid to try more than one thing. We’re more bakers, clothes makers, and cleaning staff. Jobs that blend.”
Nothing about you blends, my hot little mouse. I nodded as if I understood instead and parked the car. We got out and I showed him inside, smiling when I saw he appreciated the décor. I was young for a vampire, but I was still fifty years old so I knew my style already, and appreciated finer things.
“Um, so I didn’t think about something,” he said nervously after I offered him something to drink. “I was doing the elliptical for a half hour and I’m kind of smelly. I’d die if you bit me and gagged because I stink.”
I leaned in slowly, putting my hand on his hip as if I was steadying myself and not just wanting to touch him. Sniffing his neck, I let out a strangled moan. “You smell delicious, Brad.” My fangs popped out and I let them run against his neck so he understood I was telling the truth.
“Oh no,” he squeaked and I smelled his desire.
“It’s okay, sweetie. It’s an intimate act.” I kissed his neck and pulled him closer, wishing he was naked as I finally got him in my arms. “I’m hard too.”
“I gave you an erection?” I smiled when he squeaked again.
“Yes,” I hissed, moving him between my legs so he could feel it. “Say yes, Brad. Please, please say yes.”
“Yes,” he moaned. I kissed his neck slowly, letting my tongue run over his flesh as my hand moved down his back and cupped his perfect ass. “Ramses, oh gods. Something’s happening.”
“Let me help you. Your blood will be even sweeter if I drink from you while you’re coming.”
“I’m not a slut,” he said nervously, shivering in my arms with want.
“I wouldn’t have asked you for your help if I thought you’d just give it up to anyone, Brad. There’s nothing wrong with wanting this. I do too.”
“You’re right. It’s just feeding you and a little fun. Right?”
“Of course,” I agreed, knowing it was so much more than that to me.
“I don’t want to be the only one who comes though,” he moaned as I squeezed his ass again.
“It’s the least I can do when you’re feeding me, Brad. It’s normal to have this reaction to a vampire and the idea of being bitten.” It killed me to say that. I wanted to come with him as well, pounding into his sweet ass all night. But if I pushed him too far he’d run. I couldn’t let that happen. “It’s like being friends with benefits. You let me feed and it’s a little slap and tickle. Nothing wrong with that.”
“No, I want it.”
That’s all I needed to hear. I moved my hand down the front of his shorts and stroked his cock while still keeping my hold on his ass. Brad squeaked loudly and I sank my fangs into his neck. I had been right, and his blood was nirvana. I moaned as I drank him down, smiling when he cried out and came all over my hand.
“Oh gods. Yes, this is what I’ve always wanted. So good,” Brad screamed as his hips moved in time with my hand. When he was done riding his bliss I stopped drinking. I didn’t want to take too much and scare him.
“Thank you,” I panted as I licked the bite closed. “Thank you so much, baby. You have no idea how long it’s been since I’ve fed like that. And fed so well. You taste perfect.”
“I’m glad,” he mumbled. I lifted my head enough to see his mouth parted as he gasped for air, his eyes closed.
“Does that mean you’d be willing to feed me again when I need it in a few days?”
“Um, yeah, we can do that.” He sounded embarrassed now that it was over and the hormones were going back to normal.
“I’d really appreciate it.” Brad bit his lip and nodded. He felt so good in my arms that I never wanted to let him go. “Let’s get you some water and a nap might be best. You’ll be a little tired for a bit. You’re a shifter so you’ll recover fast but it’s like how humans feel after a blood donation.”
“Yeah, a little tired and kind of loopy,” he giggled as he smiled up at me. “That was my first time getting a hand job. A few guys have fucked me when they’re drunk enough at a bar or something, but I’ve never like made out with someone.”
“Well, we are friends with benefits so maybe we should kiss on our deal,” I purred as I stepped into the kitchen. Brad’s cheeks that had almost gone back to his normal color were now blushing again.
“You’d want that? I mean, you already drank from me.”
“Yeah, I want.” I kissed him before he could say anything else or try to talk himself out of it. When our lips met I moaned and slid my tongue into his mouth. Brad squeaked and threw his arms around my neck. I kept kissing him until we both needed air and then regretfully stopped.
“I like being friends with benefits,” he whispered as he blinked up at me. I smiled and grabbed him a bottle of water before carrying him into the living room.
“I do too, sweetie. Drink about half of this and then it’s nap time.”
“But you’re still hard.” He blushed even more and quickly took the bottle from me, chugging it down as I put him on the couch.
“And you are again,” I purred as I ran my hand up his thigh, staring at his groin. “Friends with benefits help each other with that.”
“Sounds good,” he slurred as his arm lowered down. I glanced up to his face, worried, and caught his bottle of water just in time. Then Brad let out the cutest snore ever and I realized he was out. Chuckling, I set the bottle on a coaster on the coffee table before sliding behind him on the couch. I wrapped my arms around him and settled down for a nap.
Chapter 2
Brad
I woke surrounded. It took me a minute to realize it was Ramses’s strong arms holding me against his firm body. Then I felt my heart race as what happened hit me. Oh gods, I’d been such a slut. He was going to tell everyone that I’d gotten hard just from a little attention and practically creamed my pants.
“Stop thinking so hard,” he mumbled behind me. “You’re shaking as if you’re nervous. I enjoyed every second of what we did and I don’t kiss and tell.”
“Oh, okay,” I sighed in relief, still feeling awkward. “I should go though.”
“Can I get a kiss before I drive you home?” I nodded as his hand moved so it was dipping slightly in my shorts and over my hip. In a flash I was rolled under him on my back, his large frame between my legs as his mouth lowered to mine.
I moaned as his tongue pushed past my lips and I threw my arms around his neck. Instantly I was hard and wanting. Holy shit could Ramses kiss. I’d been so wrapped up in pining for James that I never looked at Ramses this way. And then I froze. He noticed and lifted his head.
“What’s wrong?” he asked gently as he rubbed my stomach. “It’s James, isn’t it?”
“You know?” I squeaked.
“Sweetie, anyone who pays attention knows. James is oblivious though. Do you love him?”
I thought about that. “No, it’s just a crush but I care about him.”
“Well, we’re just friends with benefits,” he said with a tight smile. I tilted my head and stared at him. I got the feeling he wasn’t okay with just being that. “If James pulls his head out of his ass then we can stop.”
“Okay.” My chest hurt though. Ramses confused me. I wasn’t sure what I wanted anymore really.
We got up, an awkward silence surrounding us. I let Ramses give me a ride home, thanking him before I got out and promising to see him after work tomorrow to start my new workout routine.
As he pulled away I reached up to touch my lips, his kisses still tingling them. Then I headed into my apartment, lost as if I was walking on clouds the whole way. Maybe this was what finding the right person felt like?
I cleaned up, did a few things to get ready for work tomorrow, and fell asleep that night with a smile still on my face.
* * * *
James
Brad was acting funny the next day when we all took our normal lunch break, Gavin and I from pride business. A
nt and Brad had been working on testing video games and were excitedly chatting as they came into the kitchen.
Brad was smiling and animated, and after my conversation with Gavin yesterday I was already seeing him in a whole new light… Like a man who finally had the curtain lifted from his eyes and realized something right in front of him was worth paying more attention to.
He and Ant broke apart, Ant heading to the fridge while Brad grabbed something from the walk-in pantry. I slipped in after him and blocked the door. “You’re in a good mood today, little mouse,” I said quietly.
“Oh, well, I had fun yesterday and um, well, yeah, fun,” he squeaked as he stood there holding the mayo he’d picked up off the shelf.
“What did you do that was so fun?” I asked curiously as I moved closer. His eyes went wide as his chest started heaving. He bit his plump lip and I was drawn to him like a moth to a flame.
“I let a vampire bite me,” he blurted out. I felt my eyes go wide before I could school it. Then I smiled. Maybe Brad wasn’t as innocent as I had thought. Or he was but not in the way that meant he wasn’t up for fun.
“Did you like it?” I gave him a feral smile as my voice went deeper.
“I–I, um, came so yes.”
“Are you taken now, Brad?”
“No, he said we’re friends with benefits.” I felt my smile go even wider as I crowded his space.
“Do you want to be taken, little mouse?” His eyes went so big as he squeaked I thought they might pop out of his head. “Gavin said you have a crush on someone, Brad. Is it me?”
“Yes and yes,” he squeaked.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” I took the mayo from his hands and set it back on the shelf.
“You always have someone in your bed and never noticed me.”
“I’m noticing you now, sweet thing.” I pulled him into my arms and Brad squeaked loudly. “Take the rest of the afternoon off and let me show you what it’s like to be loved on by a lion.”
“Just for the afternoon though, right?”
“Of course,” I purred as I kissed his cheek before moving to his lips. When I got there he turned his head away. “What’s wrong?”
“I don’t want to be one of your conquests,” he sniffled as tears filled his eyes. “I know that’s all I’m probably worth but I want more.”
“Oh.” I didn’t know what to make of that and it shocked me so when he pulled away I couldn’t process what was going on fast enough to stop him.
“Brad? Are you in there?” Ramses asked as the pantry door opened.
“Yes,” Brad squeaked. I turned in time to see the man staring at my mouse as Brad ran into his arms.
“It’s okay, Brad. Why don’t you go talk to Ant and get lunch. I’m going to have a word with James.”
“Okay.” Brad’s eyes were so wide and he was so pale that I was scared he might pass out. He darted out of the pantry and Ramses closed the door slightly.
“You fucking bastard,” he snarled at me, baring his fangs. “You don’t want him all this time and then I finally get him to see past you and into my arms, and now you move in. What? You don’t want him but you don’t want anyone else to want him?”
“Watch your tone, vampire,” I growled as my teeth elongated as well and my hands turned into claws. “I always thought Brad was cute but that he was too innocent for me to touch. I didn’t want to hurt him. But if he’s willing to have a friend with benefits then I didn’t have to worry about breaking his heart anymore.”
“I didn’t want to scare him with how much I wanted him so I said I’d help him get into shape if he let me feed with him. Then he got turned on so I said it was okay, we’re just friends with benefits.”
“But you want more. You lied to him!”
“No, I’m fine with whatever he needs. I never said I didn’t want more though. You are the bastard who just wanted him for an afternoon!”
“I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant that there would be no expectations afterwards.” I realized that sounded just as bad when Ramses launched himself at me. I swiped my paw across his face as his extended nails that were almost like claws dug into my side.
“He thinks he’s fat because you ignore him and brag about all your firm little conquests.” I bit his shoulder and he pulled out his nails.
“I didn’t know he was listening. I wouldn’t ever hurt him on purpose.” I took a fist to the face and staggered back. “I think he’s gorgeous. Gavin hinted that Brad liked me yesterday and that’s all I could think about last night.”
“It’s true,” Gavin growled from the doorway. “And if one more person throws a punch I’ll kick both your asses and fire you both.”
“Yes, Alpha,” I said immediately as Ramses did and we dropped to our knees.
“Sorry, Alpha,” Ramses apologized quietly.
“I only have a minute before they get back,” Gavin hissed as he closed the door. “Ant made some excuse to get something from the freezer in the garage so Brad wouldn’t hear you idiots. Ramses, I knew Brad liked James but I didn’t know you liked him. I wasn’t trying to interfere. James, I love you, man, but Brad isn’t one of your one-night stands. If you make a play for him it had better be real or you’ll have me to deal with.
“So get your shit together and stop trying to piss all around him. You’ll scare him to death. Mouse shifters aren’t like lions or vampires, even their most dominant members are timid to us. He sees you guys fighting and all he’ll do is avoid you both because he’ll be afraid to be alone with you.”
“Yes, Alpha,” we both mumbled.
“Gavin, I got the steaks for tonight,” Ant said loudly. “Everything handled?”
“Yes, my love,” Gavin called back. “Grab the mayo and let’s have lunch.” And with that he turned and left the pantry to go be with his mate.
“I do like Brad,” I said quietly as I got to my feet. “I thought he’d be open to playing after what he said. But last night when I hadn’t thought of that I had decided to ask him out today and try something more for once. I won’t step aside because you got to first base with him last night.”
I heard Ramses hiss as I stepped out into the kitchen. Immediately I searched out Brad and saw him just about hiding behind Gavin.
“Sorry about that, Brad,” I said quietly as I moved closer. “I misunderstood what I thought you were saying before. Either way I was planning on asking you to go see a movie with me tonight.”
“Just a movie?” he asked hesitantly. “Just one?”
“Well I might not have dated much but I know that most relationships start with one movie and see where things go from there.” I gave him a soft smile. “But I think we know each other well enough that I could commit to two dates.”
Brad bit his lip and glanced behind me to Ramses. I made a snap decision that I didn’t know if the outcome would help or hurt me.
“It would just be a date and maybe seeing each other. That doesn’t mean we’d be exclusive or anything. Maybe Ramses could come with us another night.” Ramses was hot. I could deal with him joining us no problem.
And part of me really was an ass though. I knew that. Last night I had decided I wanted to ask Brad out and now Ramses had moved in on what I saw as my turf. My lion would not let me back down. Brad would be mine. And I had the advantage since I knew Brad had liked me for a while now.
“Date you both?” Brad squeaked as his eyes darted between us. “But Ramses just wants to drink from me in payment for helping me lose weight. Right?”
“I want more,” Ramses admitted. “I took this job when I heard you’d be the one training your replacement after I saw you at the joint party for all the paranormals a few months back.”
“Really?” Brad breathed, going pale.
“Date them both,” Ant hissed in Brad’s ear as he wrapped his arm around his friend. “Dude, they’re both hot and want you. Could you imagine them both loving on you?”
“Did you want a ménage mating, my love?”
Gavin drawled, his nostrils flaring giving away how pissed he was. Ant shot him a dirty look and my Alpha settled down.
“I, um, well, I. Can I?” Brad stuttered out to Ant, as he stared at us.
“Sure. Work out with Ramses like you planned and go to the movies with both of them. James said he’s willing as long as Ramses is.”
“Of course I am,” Ramses agreed in a tight voice. “Maybe James and I will hit it off as well.”
“Okay.” Brad looked ready to pass out. I darted over to him and helped him into a chair sitting in the one next to him.
“Just pick whatever movie you want, little mouse, and I’ll get us all tickets. Or should we go to dinner first?”
“Oh, I’m trying to lose weight.” Brad blushed as he reached for one of the bottles of water on the table.
“Part of getting in shape is having a healthy diet,” Ramses said smoothly as he sat down in the chair next to Brad. “That doesn’t mean starving yourself, sweetie. We should go out to dinner after we clean up from our workout and I can show you how to eat healthy even when at a restaurant.”
“That would be helpful,” Brad agreed with a smile.
“Then it’s settled. We’ll all have dinner first before the movie. I can pick you guys up at seven.”
“We’ll meet you at the restaurant,” Ramses said easily. I shot him a look over Brad’s head. I wasn’t stupid.
“Nonsense. Why should two of us drive? I live here and have to pass your house to get to the movie theater with all the restaurants right there.”
“I didn’t bring any clothes to change into after working out. I can’t show up in only a towel,” Brad teased.
“We’d be okay with that,” I groaned as I leaned in towards Brad. Ramses must have done the same because our hands met on his lower back. I licked up Brad’s neck and nibbled on his ear. “Maybe if the date goes well we can tuck you into bed tonight.”
“Okay.” I really loved how he squeaked.
We ate lunch, both of us touching Brad as much as we could, and then got back to work. The little guy ate it up in a way that made me so hard I wanted to drag him up to my room and have my way with him.